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Computerized Tomography (CT) in Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis.

The diagnostic value of computerized tomography (CT) for coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) was examined in 100 coal workers by CT scanning and the results were compared with those of standard chest radiographs and pulmonary function tests. The subjects were male underground coal workers who ranged in age from 40 to 75 years. Coal dust exposure ranged from 11 to 40 years. A total of 2175 slices of CT scanning were taken from the coal workers. Three had no small or large opacities present. Small opacities were present in 45. Of these, 34 might be diagnosed as simple pneumoconiosis with the CT score 2. Forty two had complicated pneumoconiosis with large opacities present. Ninety six had changes with emphysema; of these, 87 could be diagnosed as having emphysema according to CT criterion. The CT score for small opacities was not definitely related to lung function. The comparison of CT score of emphysema and the number of lung function tests showing decrements demonstrated that the mean number of positive items was 2.65 for six subjects with a score of less than 6. For 20 subjects with a score of more than 6 the mean number of positive items was 3.75. There was a very significant difference between the two cases. The attenuation of the 100 coal workers described in this study was lower than the expected normal value and tended to decrease with increasing CT scores for emphysema. This appeared to be related to the fact that most of the coal workers had emphysema. Diagnosis of emphysema by measuring the attenuation value of the lung was possible.